It is rough and tumble out there.

In my lifetime I cannot remember a more contentious world atmosphere.

In my small way I am into micromanaging the human condition.

I love a good challenge.

Yesterday, I stopped by Target for a few items.

The checkout line was long and there were only two lanes open.

I could tell that the clerk was very unhappy.

She kept turning her head to call out next never making eye contact with the customer and her end game was tossing the receipt at the person again with her eyes averted.

I also found it hysterical that she would not raise a finger to assist in packing up the customers purchases if only to move things along.

I approached before she bellowed, “Next.” I had a big smile and commented on how hard she is working and it must be difficult to stand for long periods of time.

She appeared shocked. I asked her how her day was and told her that her jewelry was lovely.

She smiled, ended up bidding me a good day and thanked me for packing up my goods and even looked me in the eye while handing me the receipt.

Mission accomplished.

At lunch, I nicely asked the overworked server for crispy bacon. I acknowledged how thorough he was and appreciated the bacon and well done toast. He brought me a dessert and thanked me for coming in.

Saturday night I complimented the server and she brought over two extra cups of sake.

Sunday at the Brooklyn Museum, a twenty something African American guard asked me how I liked the exhibit. We started talking and Agent Orange’s name came up. He asked if I liked him and I responded that I believe he is the worst thing that ever happened to this country. In light of trump’s insensitive comments about black people over the weekend I asked him his thoughts on the orange plague. He said he liked that he told the truth.

I had to mentally and verbally restrain myself and calmly responded that the man has never uttered a truthful  word in his life. I suggested he do a dive into his remarks and left the guard smiling with the hope that if he voted it was not for him.

I am not doing this for rewards. I am solely compelled to see people relax, smile and make life a bit less contentious.

It just seems as if anger and raging indifference is the daily forecast.

I am just trying to catch some sunshine during these grey winter days and push away from my every waking minute the fact that Typhoon Trumpy is hanging over our collective heads.

Pass it forward in a small, personal way or make a huge statement as Dr. Ruth Gottesman did yesterday.